Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (5): 774-779.doi: 10.12307/2022.126

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Roles and values of blood flow restriction training in the rehabilitation of knee joint diseases

Wei Xing, Liu Shufang, Mao Ning   

  1. Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2020-10-04 Revised:2020-10-12 Accepted:2020-11-13 Online:2022-02-18 Published:2021-12-02
  • Contact: Liu Shufang, MD, Associate professor, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Wei Xing, Master candidate, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    a grant from Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau Project, No. GDSS2020N103 (to LSF)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As a new type of rehabilitation training, blood flow restriction training is gradually increasing in the application of knee joint disease rehabilitation. It can promote muscle strength growth and muscle hypertrophy with lower exercise intensity. However, current research lacks a plan for blood flow restriction training for different groups of people. The effect of training variables and blood flow restriction on the therapeutic efficacy is unknown, and improper use may also cause safety problems.
OBJECTIVE: To explain the application status of blood flow restriction training in knee joint disease rehabilitation, attempt to summarize blood flow restriction training from the aspects of application status, application scheme and safety, and propose urgent problems to be solved, aiming to provide theoretical support and practice for the safe and effective application of this technology guide.
METHODS: in PubMed, CNKI and other literature databases, literature search was conducted for related research on the application of blood flow restriction training in knee joint disease rehabilitation from inception to October 29, 2020. The Chinese search formula included “blood flow restriction training OR plus Compression training,” “blood flow restriction training OR compression training AND knee joint,” “knee osteoarthritis OR knee surgery OR patellofemoral joint pain OR anterior knee pain OR rheumatoid arthritis AND blood flow restriction training OR compression training.” The English search formula included “(((blood flow restriction training) OR (Occlusion Training)) OR (Kaatsu training)) AND (knee),” “((((((knee osteoarthritis) OR (Knee surgery)) OR (patellofemoral pain)) OR (anterior knee pain)) OR (rheumatoid arthritis)) AND (blood flow restriction training)) OR (Kaatsu training).” And according to the research needs, the corresponding selection criteria were established for the screening of final literatures.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A review of relevant literature worldwide found that in the rehabilitation of knee joint diseases, blood flow restriction training is mainly used for patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and knee arthroscopy, knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis and anterior knee pain. Currently, in this group of patients, blood flow restriction training with lower exercise intensity has been found to promote muscle strength growth and muscle hypertrophy. The use of blood flow restriction alone can effectively prevent disused muscle atrophy due to no-load state, which is conductive to accelerating the rehabilitation process after surgery on the knee joint. In current studies, there are rarely adverse events related to blood flow restriction, but when using blood flow restriction combined with resistance training, it is necessary to ensure that the cuff width and restriction pressure used are appropriate. Future studies should compare different blood flow restriction training programs in different populations.

Key words: knee joint, blood flow restriction training, occlusion training, KAATSU training, cuff, exercise intensity

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